Established 2004

Ruddlesden geotechnical

Ruddlesden geotechnical provides ground investigation, geotechnical consultancy and contamination assessment services.

Based in Exeter, but covering the whole of the UK, albeit primarily concentrated in the South West, Ruddlesden geotechnical was formed in 2004.

Ruddlesden geotechnical works on behalf of a wide client base, including local, regional and national housing developers, housing associations, commercial developers, building contractors, structural and civil engineers, architects, building consultants, quantity surveyors, local authorities and private individuals.

Development projects range from single dwellings and extensions to large housing estates, multi-storey flats, offices, industrial units, roads, slopes, schools, hospitals and basements.

The services and projects listed on this web-site provide an indication of those undertaken by Ruddlesden geotechnical, but others are carried out. If your requirement is not readily identifiable on this web-site, please contact us as we may still be able to help you.

  • AGS
  • Constructionline
  • CSCS
  • SMAS
  • ECFC trust
  • Latest news

    20 Oct 2026

    Creative geotechnical photography

    Inspired by her surroundings at RHS Rosemoor, where she was carrying out the ground investigation for a new educational facility, and with one eye on the Ruddlesden geotechnical site photograph of the year competition, Catherine Greed got creative with her site photography recently, framing the dynamic sampling rig within the last of the summer flowers.

    Creative geotechnical photography
  • Recent projects

    Multiple Ground Investigation Techniques on Site in Cornwall

    A combination of trial pits and dynamic sampling (windowless sample boreholes)with in-situ and laboratory testing has been undertaken as part of an ongoing ground investigation for a large residential development on the outskirts of Newquay, in Cornwall. The trial pits have allowed in-situ soakaway testing to be undertaken in accordance with BRE DG 365, to provide information for surface water drainage design. The boreholes have allowed in-situ standard penetration testing (SPTs) to be carried out, to provide information for foundation and retaining wall design. The boreholes have also been used to install monitoring wells for long-term gas monitoring. Both the trial pits and boreholes have been used to obtain representative samples for both contamination and geotechnical assessment purposes, which has included earthworks testing for the re-use of site-won soils. Ruddlesden geotechnical’s knowledge of the ground conditions on this site has enabled the most suitable and cost-effective method of investigation to be used.

    7-nansledan-1
  • Recent projects

    Correct Waste Classification Saves Costs

    Waste classification was undertaken on surplus soil at a residential development site in Exeter. The soil had been purchased and imported to be used as capping beneath road surfaces for the new development. However, the material was later found to be unsuitable for the proposed use. The soil had initially been classified by others as hazardous waste, due to the presence of loose asbestos fibres within the soil matrix. However, following intensive (and representative) sampling of the soil stockpiles, Ruddlesden geotechnical were able to confirm that the soil was non-hazardous waste. Classifying the waste properly, in accordance with Environment Agency guidance, saved the client significant costs, which would have been incurred if the soil were to have been taken to a hazardous waste landfill, as was originally proposed.

    57-waste-classification-1